I’ve Been Arrested for DUI in Florida – What Happens Now?

When you are arrested on charges of drinking and driving (DUI) in Florida, you will be given the chance to accept or deny your charges. A first conviction DUI in Florida can result in the following:

• fines between $250 and $500;
• mandatory attendance at DUI driving school; and
• license suspension between 180 days to 1 year.

There is also a possibility of jail time for up to 6 months, and up to 50 hours of community service.

The Florida DUI Conviction Process

Your Florida DUI case will be brought before a judge where you are allowed to accept or deny the charges. Acceptance will result in mandatory penalties being assessed, as well as any additional penalties the judge deems necessary. Denial will result in a trial where you can defend against your Florida DUI charges, which should be best attempted with the assistance of a Jacksonville DUI defense attorney.

If your Florida DUI case is brought to trial, you will need to provide evidence to defend yourself. Your Jacksonville DUI defense attorney will talk to you about possible defense strategies to use in your case based on the circumstances of your arrest.

Your Options After a Florida DUI Arrest

You do not have to plead guilty to your Florida DUI charges, especially if you have not had the opportunity to seek legal advice from a Jacksonville DUI defense attorney. The guidance of an experienced attorney may help your case, as he or she can examine the circumstances of your arrest and determine if the proper procedures were followed.

For example, if there were any discrepancies in the field sobriety testing you underwent or the reason you were stopped, your Jacksonville DUI defense attorney may argue that your arrest was invalid. In many arrest cases, drivers were stopped for reasons that would not raise reasonable suspicion of Florida DUI. Additionally, common testing methods used in DUI arrests, such as field sobriety tests or on-site breathalyzer units, are not without flaws and their validity and accuracy can be questioned during a Florida DUI trial.

After your case is presented, the judge or jury will make a final decision on your conviction. In some cases, your charges may be reduced or even dismissed depending on your defense. Of course, you can't defend against your charges after you've plead guilty, which is why it is so important to speak to a qualified Jacksonville DUI defense attorney as soon as possible after your Florida DUI arrest.

Contacting a Jacksonville DUI Defense Attorney

Florida DUI cases that are handled by an experienced Jacksonville DUI defense attorney are much more likely to result in reduced penalties or dismissed charges. To increase your chances of having a fair DUI defense, a Jacksonville DUI defense attorney from Sullivan & Hepler can help. Before you hire a DUI attorney, order this free guide - The State of Florida v. You: The Accused's Guide to Defending a Florida DUI Charge. To get started with your defense, contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.